by our College Data Analytics Team
[Divinity/Ministry](/majors/theology-and-religious-vocations/theological-ministerial-studies/divinity-ministry/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong divinity/ministry education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 31 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value divinity/ministry schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in divinity/ministry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Lancaster Bible College, our #1 best value for divinity/ministry in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the suburb of Lancaster, Lancaster Bible College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,990. Typical student debt for divinity/ministry graduates is $28,507. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $35,130. Set against $28,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%.
A rank of #2 makes Mount St Marys University one of the best values for divinity/ministry. Mount St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Emmitsburg. Students from in state pay about $48,630 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for divinity/ministry graduates is $23,539. Soon after graduation, divinity/ministry degree recipients from Mount St Marys University generally make around $50,657. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Drew University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value divinity/ministry schools. Located in the suburb of Madison, Drew University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,100 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for divinity/ministry graduates is $26,449. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $49,241. Set against $26,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in divinity/ministry, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Davids, Eastern University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,400. Students borrow a median of $28,584 to complete the divinity/ministry program here. Soon after graduation, divinity/ministry degree recipients from Eastern University generally make around $47,185. Set against $28,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern University admits about 91% of applicants.
Valley Forge Christian College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in divinity/ministry, landing the #5 spot this year. Valley Forge Christian College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Phoenixville. In-state tuition and fees average $25,240. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Divinity/ministry graduates of Valley Forge Christian College earn a median of $25,051 early in their careers. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.
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Seton Hall University came in at #6 for value in divinity/ministry this year. Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of South Orange. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,170. Students borrow a median of $23,422 to complete the divinity/ministry program here. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $63,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Catholic University Of America placed #7 among the best values for divinity/ministry. Set in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,378. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $25,771 in student loans. Early-career divinity/ministry graduates make about $65,120. Set against $25,771 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Catholic University Of America admits about 83% of applicants.
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook came in at #8 for value in divinity/ministry this year. Located in the suburb of Ambler, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Overbrook is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,774. Median earnings reach $55,225 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 100%.
Howard University placed #9 among the best values for divinity/ministry. Located in the city of Washington, Howard University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,810. Divinity/ministry graduates carry a median of $25,498 in student loans. Soon after graduation, divinity/ministry degree recipients from Howard University generally make around $58,495. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 41%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 31 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.